In this LongeCity interview episode, Professor Clifford Steer from the University of Minnesota shares insights into his research on liver disease, gene therapy, and a remarkable but lesser-known substance called ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA).

Key Points:

Steer’s work offers hope for treating liver and neurodegenerative diseases with advanced gene therapy and UDCA. The podcast underscores the importance of early intervention and innovative delivery methods for future medical breakthroughs.

• Liver Regeneration and Gene Therapy: Steer discusses advancements in liver regeneration, including non-viral gene therapy techniques like Sleeping Beauty and CRISPR, which show promise in curing liver diseases caused by single-point mutations.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: The rising prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a major concern. Steer highlights obesity as a key driver and the growing demand for liver transplants due to liver disease.
• UDCA's Protective Properties: UDCA, a naturally occurring bile acid, has shown remarkable protective effects on cells. Initially used to treat liver diseases, research now suggests it may slow the progression of neurodegenerative conditions like ALS, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease.
• Potential for Neuroprotection: UDCA has demonstrated the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, offering hope for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Studies have shown that it can preserve brain tissue in models of stroke and other neurological conditions.
• Challenges in Adoption: Despite its potential, UDCA remains underutilized due to its status as a generic drug, with limited financial incentive for pharmaceutical companies to invest in its widespread use.
• Advancing Research: Steer emphasizes the importance of early intervention with UDCA in neurodegenerative diseases and highlights the potential of gene therapy and CRISPR in future treatments.